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Developing a Government–Industry Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare Policy in England

The Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) was established in recognition that a more effective partnership between Government, animal keepers and related industries was needed in order to develop and deliver animal health and welfare policy in England. The AHWBE’s role is to advise Ministers on virtually all aspects of animal health and welfare policy in England including how the animal health budget is spent. Advice on strategic issues, which previously would have gone directly from civil servants to Ministers, is now brought to the Board. The Board brings together non-executive members with expertise in specific sectors and government officials responsible for animal health and welfare. It faces particular challenges given the pressures that government spending is facing, and aims to find more innovative and cost effective ways of delivering animal health and welfare policy. To address the issue of trade-offs in resource allocation the role of economists and economic analysis and evidence will be central in supporting decision making within the Board. Key to the Board’s success will be its approach of engagement with stakeholders, partnership, developing trust and openness.